Brighton and Hove Albion boss Chris Hughton believes Newcastle United will point to the fact they remain two points ahead of the Seagulls in order to console themselves following their defeat on the south coast.

Tomer Hemed’s 51st-minute winner - which Rafa Benitez was adamant should not have stood - proved to be the difference between the two sides at The Amex on Sunday.

It was a tight game, however, and ex-Magpies manager Hughton admits it could have gone either way.

He refuted the suggestion that this victory felt any sweeter given that it came against his former side, though - even despite the fact it was the first time he had beaten Newcastle, and this at the seventh attempt.

Chris Hughton shows his class again as he finally beats Newcastle United (Image: Getty Images Europe)

“There weren’t masses between the two teams but when you are the home team you sometimes get a little bit more in your favour. But the one opportunity we had we took in what was a tight game. We had to dig deep at times.

“We felt the way the game was going there wasn’t going to be a lot of chances. We had to makes sure we kept a clean sheet against a good Newcastle side. We then just had to look for those moments, either a bit of brilliance or a bit of fortune.

“We’ve learnt a lot in these seven games - the points we’ve got is a decent return.